Ragamuffin: church and leader 2

The church and its leader (pastor/officer)
or
Keys for a happy “marriage” in the corps
Part Two

As leaders/officers/pastors we must - in our own lives - settle the issue of servanthood. There is a sense that in The Salvation Army the role of having a servant attitude is vital. Servanthood is vital in our homes, in our government and in the church/corps.

Friends, our attitude can make or break us in our spiritual journey. The culture around us is individualistic and has a consumer mentality, but we are to live a Jesus-style of life. A life of service to others is important. A servant life is a life that is not just focused on my preferences, my desires or my style of doing things in the corps. It is not just about me.

We read in 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 “Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.”

Romans 13:1 “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.”

Paul writes in 1 Timothy 2:1-2 “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”

1 Peter 2:13-18 “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of the foolish. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love your fellow believers, fear God, honor the emperor. Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh.”

These above scripture exhort us to be servants and to honor one another. Rebellion is compared to witchcraft in the Bible. An insubordinate heart is not honoring to God. Both soldiers, and officers, need to submit to the Lordship of Christ. The writings of Paul from Titus 3:1 are thought provoking: “Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good.”

David said to Abishai in 1 Samuel 26:9, “Don’t destroy him! Who can lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed and be guiltless?” (Saul was not worthy of honor or respect… but yet respect for the office of the anointed was essential.) In Acts 9 Paul was confronted by Christ saying “Why do your persecute me?” When we hurt those in the body of Christ we are hurting Christ who identifies Himself with the church.

For a good “marriage” of the officer and corps soldiery, there must be mutual respect and servanthood demonstrated.

Read part one of this four-part series | part three appears next Monday.

Ragamuffin appears every Monday on theRubicon. Find past Ragamuffin posts and a bio of Jay Davis here.

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